Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote, 90, dies

Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote, 90, dies

Heathcote guided Michigan State to the 1979 national title, the program’s first of two NCAA crowns, behind star Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The Spartans topped Larry Bird and Indiana State in an unforgettable NCAA final.

Heathcote coached Michigan State from 1976-1995, winning three Big Ten titles and amassing a 339–221 overall record, before giving way to assistant Tom Izzo.